Vocalist Lila Downs blends Mexican roots music with a host of other styles to create a sound all her own. Hancher will present her at the Englert Theatre on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Humorist David Finch will read from his acclaimed New York Times best-selling memoir, "The Journal of Best Practices," at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15, in Room W10 of the Pappajohn Business Building on the University of Iowa campus.

The talk will describe how solar energy technology is evolving in the lab and the marketplace.

What one thing could President Barack Obama or Gov. Mitt Romney do in the next four years to get the economy going again? Economic and business experts from the University of Iowa offer these ideas.

President Barack Obama remains a significant favorite on the Iowa Electronic Markets over Mitt Romney, and political observers think that today’s first debate between the two is a good chance for Romney to give some momentum to his campaign.

Mike Apicella really knows how to bring out the best in his fellow scientists. On Thursday, Oct. 4, Apicella, senior associate dean for scientific affairs and professor of microbiology, will be honored for his exceptional mentoring skills with the 2012 UI Carver College of Medicine’s Distinguished Mentor Award.

Registration is open for the second session of University of Iowa Recreational Services’ fall tennis classes. Classes for all ages begin the week of October 28.

The University of Iowa Raptor Center and Stainbrook State Geologic Preserve will host talks, bird banding, and bird watching to celebrate the migration of hawks and other species Saturday, Oct. 6.

Internationally acclaimed flutist Nina Assimakopoulos will perform at the University of Iowa at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5, in the University Capitol Centre Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

"A World of Citizens: Women, History, and the Vision of Linda K. Kerber," will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6, in the Senate Chambers of the Old Capitol. Kerber is professor emerita in the Department of History in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Twelve nationally recognized health and environmental experts recently gathered in Coralville for the inaugural meeting of the State Hygienic Laboratory’s Board of External Advisors. The board will advise, assess, and contribute expertise to the strategic direction of Iowa’s environmental and public health laboratory.

A gift from Dean and Tammy Oskvig will establish the Oskvig Global Engineering Scholarship.